Tra Vinh works to improve climate change response

A conference to review and share effective models on livelihood and climate change response for the poor and ethnic minority groups in the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh was held in the province on December 18.

Since early 2017, Tra Vinh provincial authorities have worked together with ActionAid Vietnam to implement models to help locals grow organic vegetables
Since early 2017, Tra Vinh provincial authorities have worked together with ActionAid Vietnam to implement models to help locals grow organic vegetables

The event was jointly held by the People’s Committee of Tra Vinh city and ActionAid Vietnam.

Addressing the event, Vice Chairwoman of the municipal People’s Committee Tang Thi Dep said that since early 2017, local authorities have worked together with ActionAid Vietnam to implement models to help locals grow organic vegetables and build an early warning system in some localities.

Following two years since the implementation of such models, local residents have been able to earn a stable income, with 30 previously disadvantaged households currently gaining profit of up to VND 2.3 million (about US$100) per month from their organic farms.

Meanwhile, models for risk management and the building of an early warning system via a smart phone app proved effective in raising public awareness of prompt information access, as well as preparation for measures against climate change impacts and risk mitigation.

On the occasion, the official also voiced her hopes that ActionAid Vietnam will offer further support to improve livelihoods and raise the capacity for climate change response for local people.

The complexity of extreme weather and climate change has put coastal areas and land on the banks of rivers and canals in Tra Vinh at high risk of erosion.

The erosion of coastal and riverside land has been occurring in many parts of the Mekong Delta, including Tra Vinh, for many years. It has affected cultivation and the lives of millions of residents living in erosion-prone areas.

Erosion and sea water intrusion are expected to become more severe in the time ahead. Experts forecast that the delta would lose 39% of its land area to the sea if the sea level rises by 100cm before 2100.